Saving God
By DanaFERN HILL
By Dana
Now available on DVD the award winning film, Fern Hill. This Christian film is about true friendship, hope, adventure, and faith. It takes four young boys on the adventure of a lifetime. We all have cherished memories of our childhood friends; this film reminds us how sweet that time together was. It has been awarded the Family Approved Seal by the Dove Foundation. This is a great adventure film for the entire family.
Fern Hill is the tale of Colin, his best friends, and the loss of his father. His father was a pilot and his plane disappeared when Colin was only five years old. Although there was an investigation, nothing was ever found. Colin and mother were forced to move on without closure. She remarried an overbearing man that pushes him too hard. After Colin has a vivid dream about his Dad, he devises a plan to find him or at least try. He tells his plan to his three best friends and asks them to join him. His friends Kenny, Seth, and Bob are going through their problems and are looking for a get away. After debating all the obstacles and donuts, they innocently prepare for their journey. They soon find that the least of their concerns is that they are hiking to Fern Hill in the Colorado Mountains. They face many other challenges - fear, dark, the woods, wild animals, rain, a lost map, and the rumored madman Old Man Tyler’s cabin. But the biggest challenge just might be facing the truths they find out about themselves.
Fern Hill was written many years ago by Cole Claassen of Agape Productions. This may be his debut feature film, but this film is high quality. The cast is amazing and very talented. Many were local actors from Crested Butte, Colorado where the film was shot. He was setting out to make this movie with almost no budget and a crew of friends and family when a friend made a small investment in the film. Cole says that memories from his own childhood are where he got the idea for the film. Growing up he had three adventurous best friends. Also while in high school Claassen experienced being part of a search and rescue team for a plane crash of a friend and their family. The poem ‘Fern Hill’ by Dylan Thomas, about childhood, also played a part in the story of this film.
The next film for Agape Productions is Tennison Hopps. Visit the movie’s website www.tennisonhoppsmovie.com. The film is set in New Mexico Territory in 1889. Tennison Hopps is a coming of age story about two brothers’ fight to save their family after a tragic loss. Tennison is faced with the most difficult circumstances a young boy can imagine, and sets out on a journey across the rugged southwest to rescue his brother. This film is a faith-based family drama about a young boy’s journey from childhood to manhood, with the help of two unlikely new friends. At this time Agape Productions has actor Tom Berenger (Major League, Sniper, Gettysburg) attached as well as distribution offers with prominent worldwide companies. They are currently seeking investors for financing to complete the film. To find out more about this outstanding opportunity contact cole@agapefilmvideo.com.
Fern Hill is a touching story of childhood, friendship, and adventure. The simplicity of childhood is memory we all cherish. Simplicity like how a three day weekend away from school can make your day. This film helps to remind us through its talented characters how great those times were. After watching this movie, you might very well give those old friends a call.
CLANCY
By Dana
Now available on DVD is the heartwarming Christian movie Clancy. This film is a touching story of a girl overcoming horrible situations in her young life with unmovable faith. Very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It has comedy, suspense, and drama. So grab the tissues, popcorn, and Clancy for your next movie night.
Clancy (Christina Fougnie) is a young girl abused by her mother. Her mother not only physically abuses her, but also blames Clancy for her not having a life or money. She tells Clancy that her life was so much better before she had her. Clancy runs away to avoid being taken away by social workers and hopes while she is gone her mom will get help. On the streets she crosses paths with an angry homeless veteran, Nick (Jefferson Moore). An immoral mayor desperate for re-election plots a devious plan to “find” the lost girl. He includes the police chief in his plan to set up the homeless man. With the promise of restarting his life, Nick agrees to keep the girl out of sight. But when a loan shark corners Nick, he and Clancy escape to the country. The corrupt mayor now sets his sights on a more shocking alleged rescue/manhunt across county lines.
Clancy is an emotional rollercoaster. Viewers will hold their breath in suspense, laugh, and cry. Clancy is a positive child and even though she is abused, she does not let anything get her down. She says “Bad things are always going to happen, but being miserable doesn’t have to.” She explains the Gospel to Nick in an easy to understand and effective way. The simple truths that Clancy explains to Nick are what bring the two of them together. As the young girl grows on the homeless veteran he discovers that he wants to care about another person and his own life again. Because of some strong topics – abuse, runaway, homelessness, bribery, etc. it may not be suitable for younger children.
Clancy is a high quality film and the entire cast is extremely talented. This is the first starring role for Christina Fougnie, but viewers will only see a professional young actress. The writer (Jefferson Moore) also plays Nick in the film, does an outstanding job. The production is very entertaining and brings the reality of the story to life. You can find out more about Clancy and purchase the DVD at the movie’s website www.clancymovie.com.
C Me Dance
By Dana
Now available on DVD, the Christian thriller, C Me Dance. This film takes viewers on an emotional journey. It is moving and suspenseful with a strong message of hope and salvation. The film explains that all of us have a God given purpose whether we are aware of it or not. It is described by the writer, Greg Robbins, “as a chick flick with the devil in it”.
C Me Dance is the story of a teenage girl, Sheri (Christina DeMarco) that has danced most of her life. When she was just a baby, she and her mother were in a suspicious car accident, in which her mother died. Since then her father, Vince (Greg Robbins) has raised her by himself. She has always dreamed and trained to dance for the Pittsburgh Ballet. Her dream of dancing is cut short when she finds out she has cancer. Unfortunately the disease is too advanced for any treatment to save her. This is devastating for her and her father. They pray asking God for strength and they receive that and more. They discover that God has chosen Sheri to save those around her. God gives her the ability to touch a person and they experience the power of Christ. The devil finds out and tries everything to stop her. Sheri and her fathers’ faith are all they need. The devil tells them to stop and he will leave them alone. This is one fight they are not willing to give up.
C Me Dance was written and directed by Greg Robbins of Uplifting Entertainment. Uplifting Entertainment is a Christian production founded by Greg Robbins. This is the first film created by this production company. Although this is the first film for the production company it is not the first for Greg Robbins. He has been involved in radio, television, theatre and film since 1975. Uplifting Entertainment has also released a wonderful documentary, Christmas Unwrapped. This documentary explores the history of Christmas and explains the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas. To find out more about Uplifting Entertainment and other films go to www.upliftingentertainment.com.
C Me Dance is an extremely thrilling and inspiring story. The scenes of the devil may be disturbing for young viewers. This film keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. It is an outstanding production with amazing dance performances and the theme song is incredible. To watch the trailer and purchase the DVD go to the movie’s website www.cmedancethemovie.com. Also the DVD may be purchased at www.christiandvdstore.com.
Why Become A Member of Christian Military Fellowship?
By Patti
Christian Military Wives is now a ministry of CMF!
Christian Military Fellowship (CMF) is an association of believers who are committed to encouraging Men and Women in the United States Armed Forces, and their families, to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. CMF involves all elements of that society including all ranks, family members, and civilian employees.
Within the military society, our members, staff and constituents work to introduce people to Jesus Christ and help Christians to grow in faith.
In pursuit of the objectives of the CMF, the following guidelines for ministering to one another are advocated in the operation of the local Fellowship:
- Encourage and help individual members to establish and maintain personal Bible study, prayer and obedience to God in every area of their lives.
- Foster in all members a primary concern for the spiritual well-being of their own families, and the recognition in God's economy of the family as the basic worshiping community.
- Encourage members to perform their military duties in a professional manner consistent with obedience to God's commands.
- Encourage and assist members to form and maintain local fellowships consisting of regularly scheduled Bible study, prayer and personal sharing.
- Motivate members to support local chaplains by prayer and personal encouragement, and to participate actively in the chapel program.
- Conduct conferences in order to teach Scriptural truth, impart training in the practical application of spiritual principles, and encourage and enjoy fellowship with one another.
- Evangelize every segment of the military society by any means which honors Christ.
- Encourage individual members and local fellowships to minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of the allied military society.
- Foster throughout the fellowship the practice of ministering to individuals on a personal basis.
- Promote "pray and plan" sessions among the local leadership in order to seek God's guidance in directing the local CMF ministry.
- Encourage participation by friends and relatives in support of the activities of the fellowship through associate membership.
How does CMF work?
As a peer ministry within the military society, we encourage support for chaplains and participation in the military chapel programs where possible.
CMF members and friends are part of a worldwide prayer family. They submit prayer requests to the Home Office to be published in the monthly prayer reminder (Battle Plan) by which we can all pray for one another. We also have daily prayer at the Home Office for more time-urgent requests. We also publish the Battle Plan electronically via E-mail for those who wish to receive the published requests daily. Any urgent requests received are also added to the Electronic Battle Plan.
We encourage Christians to get together for "Pray and Plan" sessions to determine how best to pursue the Great Commission in their own locales, whether it is forming a local CMF ministry or supporting other ministries that are already in place.
Wherever it is appropriate, local CMF groups are formed. Often they are Bible studies, but they are also ministries like Sunday School classes, outreaches to specific segments of the military society, coffee houses, peer discussions, or whatever is best for the local situation.
Who provides leadership?
A full-time President/CEO and staff are employed by the Board of Directors. The Board consists of CMF regular members who meet quarterly to seek God's direction, review the financial statements and the yearly audit, approve the budget, and generally oversee the ministry.
How can I meet other believers when I travel or transfer?
We maintain a world-wide network and publish an annual Directory of CMF members, chaplains, missionaries, pastors, organizations and individuals who are willing to serve as Christian referrals for military members and families when they travel or transfer. At their request, members are linked with referrals by phone, letter or e-mail.
Who can become a member of CMF?
Regular membership is available to present and former personnel of the USA Armed Forces and their spouses. They may: avail themselves of all CMF resources, serve as official representatives of CMF, and serve on the Board of Directors.
Associate membership is available to those who have not served in the USA Armed Forces. They have all the same privileges except serving on the Board of Directors.
How is CMF supported?
Finances are needed to support the ministries mentioned. CMF is financed by the voluntary gifts of members and friends. There are NO MEMBERSHIP DUES. As a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), we adhere to their standards of stewardship and accounting.
How may I join CMF?
Click on "Become A Member/Register" at the top right of the page or visit the "How to Join" page.
I have been asked many times to describe the ministry of the Christian Military Fellowship. It is always hard to pick a place to begin the description.
The thought that first comes to mind is the fact that CMF is a ministry that is owned and operated by its members. CMF is an indigenous ministry! Yes, you read correctly. CMF is about Christians in the military leading others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and encouraging fellow believers. Therefore, CMF ministry exists wherever CMF members are involved. They might be riding ship, a member of a flight crew, or carrying a rifle.
Another thing that makes describing CMF difficult is that we are not about waving the CMF flag. In fact most of the time the activities of our membership will occur in or associated with the local Command Religious Program. CMF members teach Sunday School classes at base chapels, teach Bible Studies, and assist with worship services.
Now the first thought that comes to mind after reading these two paragraphs is that one does not necessarily need to be a member of CMF in order participate in these activities. However, you begin to see the utility of CMF if you look at your presence in the military as divinely appointed and consider that your are serving in an environment that brings with it the possibility for not one, not two, but three wars. First, there is the war that is within you:
"We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do; for I don’t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. Since what I do is what I don’t want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I don’t do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. If I do what I don’t want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me. So I find that this law is at work: when I want to do what is good, what is evil is the only choice I have. My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body—a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin which is at work in my body. What an unhappy man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death? Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ! This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God’s law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin." (Romans 7:14-30, GNB)
Second, there is the war against principalities and powers:
"Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age." (Ephesians 6:10-12, GNB)
Finally, there is temporal warfare. The wars and rumors of wars in this fallen world.
"You are going to hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away; but do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. Countries will fight each other, kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere." (Matthew 24:6-7, GNB)
One of the accepted principles of warfare is called “Force Concentration.” “Force concentration is the practice of concentrating military power on a target to cause disproportionate losses for the enemy. It's based upon the formula that the combat power of a military force is the square of the number of members of that unit” (Army Command and General Staff College). It does not matter whether you are talking about putting a bullet through a piece of armor or a brigade through an opposing force, the principle is the same. If you want to win the battle it requires a concentration of force!
"After this the Lord chose another 72 men and sent them out two by two, to go ahead of him to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He said to them, “There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest." (Luke 10:1-2, GNB)
No let us put ourselves into this battle. We are standing in the war zone where the enemy has his highly trained and motivated troops focused upon you. He has done his reconnaissance and knows you and your weaknesses and those of your fellow believers. He has one mission and that is to see to your demise. Now consider that he would rather put a bullet through your temple then have to lay siege to your castle. Oh I forgot to mention, this enemy is invisible! Oh I forgot to mention, you were abruptly taken out of the warmth of your local fellowship and are now standing on the far side of the planet in the middle of a temporal battle field where there is yet another enemy who wants to nail your to the floor of hell. You know who your temporal battle buddies are because you have been training with them for months. However, you haven’t a clue as to the identity of your eternal battle buddies or their capabilities because you were all going to different fellowships and have never trained together. Do you see in the situation an opportunity for you to create a concentration of force?
“And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20, GNB)
I have heard many sermons that focused on the need to put on the whole armor of God. But not one sermon on how to put on God’s armor and how to know when you have it on! I found the answer to these questions in an unusual way. I was driving along in a car listening to an album that my longtime battle buddy had given to me. It was a group called Harvest. One of the songs on the album contained the following words:
“Are we walking into the enemy camp, laying our weapons down, shedding our armor as we go, leaving it on the ground. We’ve gotta be strong in the power of His might to prove to the enemy, we are the army of the Lord and we’ve won the victory.”
No here are some words that will put fear in the heart of any warrior. The thought of walking into the enemy encampment would be tough enough. But to throw down one’s weapons and armor as well? Then it struck me like lightening. How do you put on God’s armor? You have to take off your own. Pastor Andrew Murray, in his book by the same name, calls this “Absolute Surrender.”
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:17-24, NKJV)
How do you know when you have on the whole armor of God? When you pray like this:
“Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18, GNB)
The staff and infrastructure of CMF exists to provide whatever it takes to resource, equip and encourage our membership in the performance of their ministry. So, if the Chapel program at your base isn't what you think it ought to be, or there appears to be no one interested in conducting Divine Worship Services aboard your ship then my question for you, Christian, is "Why not you?" But then the question again arises, "Why CMF?" I certainly do not need to be a member to do any of these things! But what if you desire to serve and do not know how? What if you think you know how but have been frustrated (the war you cannot see) in your efforts? Maybe you are discouraged and are suffering through tough times in your own life! Now you are beginning to get the picture! This is combat and the enemy is real! Soldiers do not go to war untrained and unequipped do they? No one goes to a war and escapes without wounds! What if I am already attending a Church? That is great! Start a CMF group at your church to support and encourage those in the military that attend with you. The church cannot go on deployment but your fellow CMF members may well deploy with you. If you are interested in learning more about how to become an "Owner/Operator" give us a call. We will even pay for the call. (800) 798-7875.
Can We Talk
By DanaCan We Talk? – A Movie with Racing Roots
By Dana Chaffin
On June 6, 2009, Can We Talk was released on DVD. This Christian movie explores sharing our burdens with others. As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another. Through the characters in this film you can see how God moves people into our path to help us. The movie’s story is just one part of the message. The story behind the filmmakers and the ministries that stream from that partnership make the message even stronger.
The Movie
Can We Talk is the story of a young man, Nate, who is trying to not only finish his senior year of high school, but also care for his younger sister. With no known father and an absent mother, Nate is left to provide for the household. The people in Nate’s community see him as nothing more than a trouble-maker, bad influence, & worthless, so he lives up to their expectations. He has made bad choices in trying to survive and ended up in trouble with the law. He only asks for help when pressured by losing custody of his sister. His help comes from a stranger, Aaron who takes responsibility for Nate and tries to help him find his way. He asks that Nate be able to do community service at the Kansas Auto Racing Museum with him. Aaron is troubled by guilt of a tragic racing accident in his past. He asks God to give him someone to help and that is what he got, Nate. Aaron finds that he may be the one who gets help from Nate. Together they overcome their troubles and become close friends. This is a touching story of how God puts people in our lives to help us deal with tough times. But are we listening?
Behind the movie
Can We Talk is the full-length film by Covenant Films, LLC and Emmanuel Pictures. Emmanuel Pictures is the movie ministry of Emmanuel Church in Abilene, Kansas. The partnership of Covenant Films and the church was a joint decision between filmmaker Doug Thompson and the congregation. They knew that this project was an adventure too big to handle alone, so approximately 60 church members joined the team. The group was used to help with building the set, serving food, holding the team accountable, and lots of prayer. Their goal was to honor God in the film. The idea was an example from the Kendrick brothers and their partnership with Sherwood Baptist Church to form Sherwood Productions that produced movies Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel. They hope to be able to generate funds from this film to make future films.
Doug Thompson, Covenant Film president, is no stranger to the racing scene. He has been racing various types of stock cars since 1969. He has raced everything from dirt track ministocks to NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series. He has 356 feature wins and 9 track championships. Today Doug races a dirt track modified at Whiskey Lake Raceway in Kansas, the track featured in the film.
Doug and his wife opened the Kansas Auto Racing Museum. The 21-acre museum complex is located in the small town of Chapman, Kansas. The museum holds the first NASCAR and NHRA trophies. There are lots of restored race cars from different eras, photos and more. For more information about the museum go to: www.kansasautoracingmuseum.org.
Can We Talk has a very touching message. The DVD includes lots of extras. It shows the behind the scenes of making the movie and the characters. Also it contains remarkable footage at Emmanuel Church with a special service. It tells about Doug Thompson’s racing past and how God has been involved. The DVD can be purchased exclusively at www.canwetalkthemovie.com.
Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on faithwriters.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible Email cajd34@netzero.com
Walking in Grace
By SaraYou see, I have a problem with pride. And I am okay (sort-of) with admitting this. :) Though my heart is sincere, I believe, in wanting to serve Christ and to be a "good Christian," there are times that I believe I can do it on my own. And when I fail, I am frustrated beyond belief and end up wondering what sin in my life is keeping me from following the "rules" this time.
Have you ever felt that way? Wondering why, even after spending gobs of time reading the Bible, praying countless hours in the day and all through the night, having 5 quiet times, worshipping hours upon hours, fellowshiping with believers, serving God through some type of ministry, etc... you feel empty still, or that you can not do enough?
I decided to ask God to examine my heart. Let me just warn you - He is faithful to do what we ask of Him. :)
I said, "God, I feel like giving up. Has nothing really changed in my life after experiencing your salvation 7 years ago? Am I still the fake, unloving person with junk in my life that I've always been? I am a seminary student; I shouldn't still be doing things wrong. Lord, I need you to do something better with me."
This morning, I cried out to Him some more, and He answered. God said to me: "Sara, have you forgotten why I came to save you? Self-sufficiency always leads to self-righteousness, but My sufficiency leads to true righteousness. Let me live MY life THROUGH you. My Grace is enough."
Wow...what an epiphany.
So many of our efforts in being a Christian end up leading to complete disappointment when we feel that we don't "succeed." We pray our hearts out for the Lord to work in our lives, yet when things are still going wrong in some way, we think that we didn't pray enough, aren't good enough, or often, we even question our salvation. We wonder what we've done wrong, and we ask God why? We say we are sorry for whatever it is we've done wrong, then we rededicate our life to Him and promise to "do better." Its a continuous cycle of motivation --> condemnation --> rededication.
Somewhere along the way we (I) have forgotten that we are saved by Grace, and that this Grace cannot be earned no matter how hard we try because it is the gift of God! We ask Jesus to come into our hearts and lives by accepting this gift of Grace, then the rest of the time we live under the law, trying to keep a lot of rules so we can be good Christians.
The fact of the matter is, we are never going to be "good Christians" in our own eyes. We can never do enough good works, do enough praying, do enough reading our Bibles, to earn the love of Christ and His acceptance. And we can never be "successful" if we try to do it on our own.
For me, this is where my issue with pride comes in, thinking that because I am a Christian, I can keep all the rules on my own. Then I expect others around me to keep the rules, and I end up living under the Law instead of under Grace and witnessing to others NOT the Grace of God but the Law of God.
Today, I have surrendered my heart to what God wants to do through me, even if I look weak and insufficient in my own strength. I have decided to let the power of Jesus' righteousness run through my veins, instead of me trying to do it on my own. Today, and every day from here on out, I have chosen to walk in Grace, believing that Jesus Christ loves me, accepts me, and can use me despite my shortcomings and flaws.
Are you walking in Grace?
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
"She Said What?!" - The Godly Woman's Response to Gossip
By Sara
Gossip is one of those things that almost every woman has somehow been involved in, whether it is has been on the giving end or receiving end. Because we live in a culture and society that thrives on gossiping, bad-mouthing, and making fun of others, it is extremely easy to be influenced and participate! With military women especially, gossip happens all the time. There are many reasons why we women gossip – sometimes it’s just for fun, sometimes it’s to make ourselves look better, and sometimes it’s not done for the purpose of bad-mouthing but out of a concern for someone else. However, as Christians, the Lord desires for us to speak words of healing, encouragement, love, and kindness - those that build up, not put down. So how do we keep from gossiping, and what does God’s Word say on the subject?
Well, a few of our brave CMW ladies have tackled this sticky subject by sharing their hearts, experiences, and what the Bible has to say! You can hear what we have to say by clicking HERE. All of CMW's podcasts are located under the CMW Media tab; you can also download the podcast or share it with someone else.
*For reference purposes, here are the Scriptures that were shared during the show:
Proverbs 16:24 - "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Proverbs 20:19-20 - "He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.
He who curses his father or his mother,
His lamp will go out in time of darkness."
Proverbs 31:26 - "She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit."
Romans 12:14 - "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
James 3:5-10 - "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."
Romans 14:4,10 - "Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. ...But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."
Romans 12:16 - "Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation."
Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger."
(*All verses are taken from the New American Standard Bible.)
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